Dear MARMAM readers, We are pleased to announce the following paper has been published online in the journal Deep Sea Research II, Hanna Shoal Special Issue:
Brower, A.A., M.C. Ferguson, S.V. Schonberg, S.C. Jewett, and J.T. Clarke. 2017. Gray whale distribution relative to benthic invertebrate biomass and abundance: Northeastern Chukchi Sea 2009-2012. Deep Sea Research II. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2016.12.007 Abstract: The shallow continental shelf waters of the Bering and Chukchi seas are the northernmost foraging grounds of North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). Benthic amphipods are considered the primary prey of gray whales in these waters, although no comprehensive quantitative analysis has been performed to support this assumption. Gray whale relative abundance, distribution, and behavior in the northeastern Chukchi Sea (69°-72°N, 155°-169°W) were documented during aerial surveys in June-October 2009-2012. Concurrently, vessel-based benthic infaunal sampling was conducted in the area in July-August 2009-10, September 2011, and August 2012. Gray whales were seen in the study area each month that surveys were conducted, with the majority of whales feeding. Statistical analyses confirm that the highest densities of feeding gray whales were associated with high benthic amphipod abundance, primarily within 70 km of shore from Point Barrow to Icy Cape, in water <50 m deep. Conversely, gray whales were not seen in 40-km x 40-km cells containing benthic sampling stations with 85 m-2 or fewer amphipods. Continuing broad-scale aerial surveys in the Chukchi Sea and prey sampling near feeding gray whales will be an important means to monitor and document ongoing and predicted ecosystem changes. Link to full text article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2016.12.007 If you would like a copy of the full text pdf, please contact me at: amelia.bro...@noaa.gov Sincerely, Amelia Brower Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean University of Washington, and Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries
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